Figure 1.--The sauna is a great Finnish tradition. Finn are introduced to the sauna in early childhood. This photo was taken in the 1950s in rural Finland. |
|
We are not sure just where to archive saunas, an important Finnish tradituon. The activities section seems the most reasonable. The sauna in has an important status in Finish culture. It is not unique to Finland, but is probably more important in Finlsnd than any other countru. The sauna itself is a small room or hut that can be heated to around 80° Celsius. The sauna has both practical and cultural purposes. It is a part of bathing, but also is valuable for mental and physical relaxation. A hot sauna can seem a real challenge to the uninitiated fireigner, Finns see it as a pleasant experience. The requirements are simple, a towel and about a half hour of time. A sauna is preceeeded with a shower. Then one entera the sauna for a short period, depending on one's tolerance to the heat. This is repeated as offten as the individual desires. The sauna is practiced in other socities under different namees: banya (Russian), hamam (Turkey), inipi / sweat lodge (Native American), onsen (Japan), and others. The origins of the sauna in Finland are not entirely known. We do know that the history dates back over a thousand years. And the sauna has only gotten more popular in modern Finland. One estimate suggests that there are over 1.2 million saunas in Finnish homes, including apartments (2002). And there are an additional 0.8 million sauna in summer cottages and public swimming pools (mostly indoor pools). This means that there are 2 million saunas for Filands 5.2 million population. An especially important Finnish tradition is a Christmas sauna.
Related Chronolgy Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[The 1880s]
[The 1890s]
[The 1900s]
[The 1910s]
[The 1920s]
[The 1930s]
[The 1940s]
[The 1930s]
[The 1940s]
[The 1950s]
[The 1960s]
[The 1970s]
[The 1980s]
Related Style Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[Long pants suits]
[Knicker suits]
[Short pants suits]
[Socks]
[Eton suits]
[Jacket and trousers]
[Blazer]
[School sandals]
[School smocks]
[Sailor suits]
[Pinafores]
[Long stockings]
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Page
[Return to the Main Finnish activities page]
[Return to the Main Finnish page]
[Return to the Main country beach resort page]
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossaries]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]